As parents, it is important to know the most common childhood illnesses affecting our children so you can be up-to-date in caring for them. With this in mind, these top three illnesses are very common so we summarize what you need to know to help your child get better.
Here the top 3 childhood illnesses and conditions that may affect your child.
1. General colds or Influenza.
If your child is showing symptoms of a cold, it’s important to take action quickly. Start by making sure they are getting plenty of rest and fluids. This can help them fight off the virus more quickly. Have them drink warm drinks like tea or soup that contain electrolytes to replace lost minerals from sweating due to fever. Make sure you provide lots of tissues for blowing their nose frequently, as this will reduce congestion and discomfort caused by a stuffy nose or sinus infection associated with colds in children.
You may also want to give your child over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if they have a fever or pain related to the cold symptoms.
However, be sure you read all instructions on how much medication to give and how often – especially for children under one year old.
‘If after 24 hours there is still no improvement in their condition, seek medical advice from your doctor or medical house call provider, who may prescribe antibiotics if necessary, depending on what type of infection has occurred.‘
2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
If your child is showing symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, and a fever above 100°F. It can also cause difficulty feeding or drinking due to nasal congestion. In severe cases, RSV can lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis—a condition in which the small airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrow.
It’s essential for parents to be aware of any these changes so they can act quickly if necessary. If you suspect your child is displaying signs of RSV infection, call your Pediatrician immediately to schedule a visit or schedule a medical house call visit.
Whether you visit a doctor or schedule a medical house call it is important to get evaluated and begin treatment promptly before it progresses into more severe complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
3. Ear infection.
If your child has an ear infection, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as it can be painful for your child. The symptoms of an ear infection include pain in the ears and head, fever, drainage from the ears (which can be transparent or yellowish), hearing loss, and balance problems. Your doctor or in-home medical care provider may prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
If the earache persists after taking antibiotics for a few days or worsens at any time during treatment, contact your doctor immediately. Some children require additional treatments, such as steroid drops to reduce inflammation and fluid buildup behind their eardrums.
‘While these illnesses are all treatable and common, it’s important you find a trusted care provider, such as a doctor or a medical practitioner that comes to your home to get the proper care for your child.‘
Taking care of your child can be extremely stressful. Every sniffle, cough, and red eye is a major concern to any parent! But learning more about what different illnesses look like and how to treat them is a great way to feel more confident in caring for your family.
